EXPERIMENTAL PUPPET EXPERIENCE!
SATURDAY, APRIL 26
7 pm
by donation (suggested donation $10)
Puppets, Potluck, and Plenty of Fun: An Unforgettable Night of Creativity at the Confluence Creative Arts Center! A troupe of world-class puppeteers is coming together to create an unforgettable evening of laughter, artistry, and community spirit. The Experimental Puppet Experience will be a night of nuanced performances, vibrant characters, and unexpected connections. Puppet shows of every stripe and variety, clowns, music, and surprises!
This puppet-arts show is not just for kids! The performances are rich in humor, emotional depth, and reflection on the human condition, making it the perfect experience for adults and families alike. Expect to be both entertained and moved by clever storytelling, spirited musical interludes, and interactive moments that encourage audience participation.
Before the show kicks off, a community potluck provides an opportunity for the audience to socialize, meet the performers, and enjoy homemade dishes and culinary talents.
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EVERYBODY WELCOME ! Remember, your GENEROUS DONATIONS help bring
whizz-bang, prodigious, mega-magical, snazztacular events to our community AND allow these events to be ACCESSIBLE to all, especially local families. However, we do not require a donation to attend activities. That's what we're all about! If you're in a position to
cha-ching-eroo a bit, click on the "donate" button to give here and THANK YOU, THANK YOU!
EVERYTHING BANJO:
A SOMEWHAT MUSICAL SHOWCASE 😆
SATURDAY, MAY 17
7 pm
It's been said that the definition of a banjo player is someone who can play the banjo but doesn't... so our evening of Everything Banjo is sure to be a showcase of ruffians who promise to be entertaining! Join the fun and hear tunes, tales, and lots of good banjo jokes. But really: Everything Banjo WILL BE an evening of some fantastic and impressive old-time banjo playing featuring the best pickers in the region! Not to be missed!
The evening will start with the signature Arts Center community potluck. Bring your favorite dish to share and start grinning before the picking even begins!
Contact the Ats Center if you are an old time banjo player interested in being part of banjo workshops on Satuday, April 17 prior to the showcase.
OVERBOOKED: DISCUSSION GROUP for BIBLIOPHILES
Sunday, APRIL 6
1 pm (+ lunch this month!)
by donation
This year's exploration of literature will be based on SHoRT SToRIES and POETRY, so look forward to twisty endings, existential crises, meaningful metaphors, and maybe even an epiphany or two. Our March reading selection will be Newberry Honor Award-winning A Long Way from Chicago by Richard Peck.
"Grandma Dowdel embodies not only the heart of a small town but the spirit of an era gone by...Remarkable and fine." —Kirkus Reviews"....
Author Richard Peck masterfully engages readers in accounts of two siblings from Chicago sent to visit their grandmother in the country every summer from 1929 to 1935. We'll delve into the genre of young adult fiction with this perfect pre-summer read: humorous, heartwarming, with nuanced observations about life in a small community. We promise it's just what you neeed right now!
**Extra, extra: bring a short poem to share--either something you've written or read.
Each month, a new individual will moderate our discussion and lay the groundwork for additional book discussions. Everyone is invited to read to book (or skim it), perhaps see the movie, and join a lively discussion. Come share some literary good times!
MEDITATION MONDAYS
MONDAY EVENINGS
6:00 - 8:00 pm
by donation
New and seasoned meditators are warmly welcome for an evening of mindfulness, silence, stillness, and rest. The evening will begin with brief secular, mindfulness meditation instructions led by Shambhala Meditation guide Judd Evans. This will be followed by relaxed periods of meditation and some informal group discussion about the experience. These gatherings are especially helpful for those with good intentions to meditate who somehow never get around to doing it! With the support of a regular mindfulness evening, a consistent practice can be developed. All are welcome...just drop by. No advance registration required.
Dress comfortably. Cushions and chairs will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own. If possible, arrive a little early.
BIG FAT YARD SALE
SATURDAY, MAY 10
9 AM - 2 PM
Stop by the Arts Center to buy some of the best junk around! Our BIG FAT YARD SALE is a multi-family extravaganza with lots of deals to be made on furniture, art supplies, household items, clothes, sporting goods, luggage, appliances, books, and lots of other things you did know you needed. Something for everyone!
Plus, if you want, you can make a small donation of your preferred amount to the Arts Center and set up a table to sell your own things. you keep the proceeds but your donation helps our non-profit organization AND helps you get rid of things that need a new home. Contact the Arts Center at info@cofluencecreative arts for information about yard sale space.
COME CREATE / SIP 'N STITCH
Fourth Tuesday of each month /
Meet at the Confluence Lending Library (And check out a book, too!)
Time 6 pm
by donation
If you knit, crochet, quilt, sew, or need, you'll enjoy an opportunity to work on your individual projects in good company and enjoy tea or refreshments and good conversation. Come Create provides a time and place for starting a new project, finishing an old one, getting inspired, or getting how-to advice. Participants may periodically have opportunities to work on a group project together, such as the community quilt projects. No advance registration is required. Visitors to Confluence and local residents are invited to stop by and create!
ECO-ART CAMP (SEE OUR CAMP PAGE FOR DETAILS)
Session 1: June 16 -20 Registration opening soon
Session 2: June 23 - 27 Registration opening soon
Ages 6 - 12
$50 / family
Eco-Art Day camps promise lots of hands-on, outdoor engagement for kids! We'll unplug from devices and tune into the outdoors with projects and activities that promise lots of creative expression + environmental education. Kids will build, paint, make, swim, sing, play, hike, and handle critters! Tons of fun in a supportive and community-centered setting. See the Summer Day Camp page on this website for more details.
GONE...BYE-BYE!
Sorry we missed you at these awesome classes...
but it's fun to see what we've done!
Check out our PHOTO PAGE to enjoy highlights of these activities!
We LOVE to offer new classes every season. If you have an idea for a class you'd like to teach, reach out and let us know!
TRAIL TOWN QUILT SHOW
Oct. 18 and 19 2024
The Trail Town Quilt show is sure to delight quilters and all who appreciate colorful textiles AND an opportunity to enjoy baked goods, warm tea, and a welcoming venue! The event promises to be a lovely showcase of fiber arts featuring heirloom quilts as well as handmade contemporary quilts--full size, baby, and wall-hangings.
Attendees can engage with the quilts by reading the brief captions about their meaning and history and voting for their favorites. Ribbons will be awarded to the People's Choice. Experience the vibrant tapestry of creativity, history, and community spirit that quilting represents. For more information about the show, contact Deb Strickland at 814-395-3123.
FIBER ARTS
Sat. December 1
Make some colorful wool fiber crafts! Adults AND kids will use wool roving to create two charming crafts in this workshop: winter nesting balls for the birds AND exfoliating soap bars. (Bring up to 5 bars of your favorite soap to make GIFTS!) This is a fun, hands-on class and a great way to learn about sheep wool and get a jump start on holiday gifting.
Carleen Dowel has a sheep farm and processes and dyes yarn. She is an experienced and knowledgeable instructor and loves to share her knowledge of wool.
PUMPKIN FEST!
THE FINE ART OF PUMPKIN CARVING
Saturday, October 5 & 6
light up at dark
The Arts Center is where you’ll find the largest patch of pumpkins during Confluence’s famous Pumpkin Fest. For family fun or individual expression, stop by a pick out a free pumpkin to carve. Scary or silly, happy or or hideous...come make a face with your friends. It’s a great way to spend a little festival time. Be sure to stop back at dark when we light up the night with the county’s greatest display of Jack o’ lanterns!
STORYTIME STEAM
Summer Tuesdays
Story Time is a special morning of stories, activities, games, and crafts just for kids. New this year, the Turkeyfoot Lending Library is partnering with the Somerset County Library system to bring a special reading program to our community. Kids will enjoy STEAM-realated activities (science, technology, engineering, art, math) during Story Time. No preregistration is required for kids to drop by to listen to a read-aloud book and participate in activities that are fun and educational. Parents or guardians may drop off kids or are welcome to stay and lend a hand or support their young reader/artists.
Free books and other reading incentives will often be available for kids to take home. A pick-up lunch will be available to all participants at the Confluence Community Center after each Story Time.
CONTEMPLATIVE WRITING WORKSHOP
January 20
Veronica Corpuz is an interdisciplinary poet who explores themes of grief, loss and identity through mixed media and photography. A member of the Madwomen in the Attic of Carlow University, she co-curates with Sarah Williams-Devereux Mad Bookends, featuring poetry, fiction and nonfiction by women writers of color. She also contributes book reviews and literary profiles to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Through guided imagery and generative writing prompts, participants will excavate memories and dreams to germinate seeds of authenticity and truth telling. The workshop is a portal for reflection and creative expression, quieting the mind and body to exercise deep listening and presence.
FROGTOWN UKESTRA
Jan. 19, 26 / Feb. 2,9,16, 23 / Mar. 2
Jump into something fun and exciting in our corner of Confluence, once known for its croaky frogs! We'll be strumming and humming and singing and making a musical splash! Kids AND adults interested in learning to play the ukulele are encouraged to join our community ukestra! It's a perfect family endeavor!
-8 weeks of group instruction geared for all levels from beginners to advanced players
-Play and/or sing with the group. -Fun tunes: folk / traditional -Final showcase performance on March 10.
-Ukuleles are provided or bring your own
FABRIC COLLAGE CLASS
July 28
Fabric Collage is an opportunity for both new and experienced sewists to create an artistic fabric collage. Barbara Lincoln will share her experience in seeing to show how to stitch raw scaps to batting and backing to create a work of textile art. Enjoy this fun experience with a friend at this special Come Create program. PRE-REGISTRATION is requested in order for materials to be ready. Contact Barbara directly for questions or to reserve a spot in the class: forkcsj@yahoo.co.uk or text 814-442-2768
LANTERN PARADE & ART IN THE PARK
August 5
Come on out and get creative at Confluence’s drop-by day-of-art-making! Kids, teens, and old geezers are invited to stop by and paint, print, craft, and create at multiple craft stations suitable for all ages and abilities. We'll be celebrating Confluence's 150th Anniversary with extra-special, family-friendly arts and crafts with a nod to our town's history.
POSTCROSSING: INTERNATIONAL POSTCARD EXCHANGE
January 22 and March 19
Be part of the first-ever Confluence Postcrossing meetup! Postcrossing is an international postcard exchange organization with over 800,000 participants in 207 countries. Over 70 million postcards have been exchanged. Stop by to sign up and learn how you can send and receive postcards to folks all over the world! We'll showcase the cards that are received and meet again on March 19. We'll discuss how Confluence might be a meetup location for international Postcrossers who want to visit our area. More info about Postcrossing can be found here:
https://www.postcrossing.com/about or https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Postcrossing
CYANOTYPE WORKSHOP
August 11
Cyanotype printing is one of the oldest forms of photographic printing processes. It uses UV light to create a cyan-blue image after treated paper is exposed to the sun. Workshop participants can bring flowers, lace, and other flat items that will be placed under glass for the process resulting in a unique cyanotype work of art. This is a partially-outdoor activity for all ages.
BE A CRANKIE PERSON: ADULT WORKSHOP
February 6, 13, 20
Interested in learning how to make a crankie? Attend one or all of these workshop sessions where you'll learn the behind-the-scenes steps involved in designing and performing a scrolling panoramic crankie. We'll share resources, explain design ideas, and provide advice that you can use to make your own crankie. You can start your project at the workshop and complete it at home. Participants may have an opportunity to perform their crankie at the Festival for Scrolling Panoramic Arts or an open stage show at the Arts Center.
CRANKIE KIDS: ART & PERFORMANCE WORKSHOP
January 19, 26 & February 2, 9, 16, 23 and 25
Kids and teens who live in or near the Confluence region are invited to participate in a collaborative crankie-making project. Over the course of the sessions, participants will work together to help create the artwork for a really giant crankie! Participants will also develop a performance that will include singing and shadow puppetry. The sessions will culminate in presenting the crankie at this year's Festival of Scrolling Panoramic Arts on February 25.
Kids must attend at least four sessions and a rehearsal in order to be part of the final show. Parents must attend a brief orientation meeting at the beginning of the first session.
GELATIN PRINTING
December 18
Just in time for the holiday season! Print handmade cards or artistic gifts by learning how to make gelatin prints. Eddie "Spaghetti" Maier will teach this class and provide all the materials and instruction needed to successfully create beautiful works of art. No experience needed! Gelatin prints are created using a pan of Knox gelatin which is inked up with water-based ink. This spontaneous printing process creates unique prints using leaves and other elements of nature.
HOOTENANNY: VARIETY / NO-TALENT SHOW
January 2021
Chuckle! giggle! guffaw! snort! Hee, hee, hee!
We're launching into the New Year with a variety show that guarantees to deliver belly laughs and knee-slapping fun. Plan to be part of the show or part of the lively audience. Expect to see short comedy skits of every stripe! Family-friendly walk-on acts encouraged.
HOMESCHOOLERS HAVE HeART
Second and Fourth Wednesdays September - May
1 - 2:30 / $6 per student
Young artists are invited to gather for hands-on fun at a socially-distanced art class geared for students who are online, remote, or homeschooling. We'll meet twice a month on Wednesdays starting at 1 pm. Jody Best will instruct kids aged 5 to 14 in a variety of arts and craft projects. We'll make a glorious mess and have lots of fun with creative explorations! Kids should bring their own smocks or aprons.
TINTYPE PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTO SESSION
July 18 - 19, 2020
Photos $65 - $115
The Arts Center is pleased to invite you to a unique opportunity initiated by our good friends at the RIVERSIDE ANTIQUE MALL in Confluence. Schedule a PHOTO SESSION with acclaimed tintype photographer Joseph W. Brown or stop by to see the process and shop for vintage treasures.
What's tintype? Tintype photography originated in the mid-1800's and allowed photographers to quickly process images onto thin sheets of metal. The images of the Civil War were captured by famous tintype photographer Matthew Brady. The shallow depth of field and distinctive tones characterize each photograph and are still appreciated today.
PICKIN' and PICNICING
Saturday, September 12, 2020
Break out the picnic basket and join us at the bandstand in Confluence for a family-friendly September afternoon of listening, picking, and picnicking. The Sumac Pickers will have your toes tapping to country and bluegrass favorites. Musicians Hannah Standiford and John Bagnato will keep the music sweet and spirted...just the thing for this season! Don't miss the fun. Musicians are invited to bring along their instruments for an impromptu jam session after the show. Socially-distanced good times!
BEGINNING KNITTING:
SOCIALLY-DISTANCED INSTRUCTION
August 30, 2020
2-4 pm
$30
It's a great time to learn to knit, a relaxing hobby you can start during a pandemic and enjoy for a lifetime! Learn all the basics needed to complete a simple project. Learn how to cast on, knit, purl, and bind off. Participants will be provided with a knit kit containing everything needed to complete a simple project such as a scarf or washcloth. Avalon Folmsbee is a patient and enthusiastic teacher, and this class will be a fun way to end the summer getting ready for winter with a warm, hand-knit woolen that you can be proud to have made!
BLUEGRASS JAM @ THE BANDSTAND
July 11, 2020
4 pm
Bring a blanket or a lawn chair and stake out your socially-distanced space around the bandstand in Confluence to listen to live bluegrass, country, and gospel music performed by Jerry Yeager, Radford Vance, Michele Vance, and others. Enjoy a picnic in the park and some toe-tappin' tunes!
CRANKIE FEST and POTLUCK
Saturday, February 9
Potluck at 6:30 followed by crankie show at about 7 pm
by donation
Crankies are a traditional form of entertainment that combines traditional music, stories, or poetry with back-lit art which is scrolled through a viewing box. We are pleased to host a gathering of crankie performance artists from around the region for a show that will take you on a journey bright and magical. We welcome crankie artists from around the region and encourage and welcome those who would like to try to make a crankie and share their efforts. Check out www.thecrankiefactory.com for information about this art form.
Also...bring an art trading card or two or three to swap and collect. (More information about artist trading cards can be found online at www.atcsforall.com/. Check out Pinterest for ideas!)
THE CRANKIE FEST WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A SONG SESSION ON SUNDAY, FEB 10 from 1 to 3 pm! EVERYONE IS WELCOME TO JOIN THE GROUP FOR SINGING AND SOCIALIZING.
CONFLUENCE LITERARY SOCIETY
First Monday of the month
1 pm at the TURKEYFOOT LENDING LIBRARY
please call Joyce Tressler for book details: (814)395-3817
Extra, extra...read all about it! Join Confluence’s book club for a variety of literary activities. Each meeting will include a monthly book discussion. Other activities may include discussion of universal themes in literature, trading of surprise books, writing and reading poetry, book critiques and more.
UKELELE WORKSHOPS
Wed., September 6 (school workshop and evening jam session)
Wed., October 4 (school workshop and evening jam session)
Wed., November 8 (school workshop and evening jam session)
Sat., December 2 (All-day workshops and evening showcase and concert)
The Arts Center has teamed up with the masterful musicians of Simple Gifts and the students of Turkeyfoot Area School District to spread some ukelele love! Linda Littleton and Karen Hirshon--will present a series of workshops for students (during the day) and for all ages and abilities (in the evening). Check ‘em out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eu_8YMWJZc0 Ukes are inexpensive, easy to play, and fun, fun, fun! The workshop series will culminate with a potluck concert and performances on Saturday, December 2! This program is made possible in part through the generous and fantastic Earl and Jeanne Berkey Fund of the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies and the support of the Pennsylvania Rural Arts Alliance/PA Council on the Arts.
TODDLER TIME: COLORFUL CONNECTIONS!
Thursday, October 12
Thursday, October 26
Thursday, November 16
Thursday, November 30
10:30 – 11:30
$3 per child aged 2 – 4 (no charge for infants)
Join Ms. Jeanie Couchman for fun and games that will engage and amuse preschoolers. Kids love Ms. Jeanie, an experienced preschool teacher. Children aged two to four are invited to bring their Mommy, Daddy, or caregiver to Toddler Time for hands-on art projects, singing, stories and more. Through creative projects and activities, little artists will develop fine motor skills, focus, and communication skills. Adults will enjoy interacting with their children and other parents while kids explore all sorts of colorful connections! Infant siblings are welcome at no charge.
PRINTMAKING: LINO-CUT PRINTING
Friday, December 16
5 pm - 9 pm
class fee $30 (includes materials)
Learn printmaking from one of the region’s finest teachers and artists. Eddie “Spaghetti” Maier is back by popular demand to lead a workshop in linoleum printing. Plan on making your Christmas cards or other works of art to use as gifts or to proudly hang in your own home. Student will learn how to create and print an image. Limited class size...PREREGISTER TODAY to reserve your spot.
CONCERT & POTLUCK FEATURING PEREGRINE ROAD
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10
SOUP, SALAD, AND SWEETS POTLUCK starts at 6 pm...SHOW starts at 7 pm
Suggested donation $10
The acclaimed Peregrine Road group consists of Karen Axelrod and Rachel Bell who perform energetic Celtic reels, heartbreakingly beautiful waltzes, mesmerizing French village dance tunes, lively originals, elegant English country dance tunes, tasty blues riffs, and more. Outrageous travel stories and interesting tidbits about multicultural traditions add both an educational and entertaining dimension to each concert. The evening will begin with a soup, salad, and sweets potluck at 6 pm where the community is invited to socialize and visit with the performers prior to the 7 pm show. There is also a free family magic show scheduled for 2 pm on Sunday, September 10, so spend the day and evening at the Arts Center for non-stop entertainment!
MAKE-A-SCENE PLAYERS (Kids Acting Up)
present....
CHARLOTTE’S WEB!
Rehearsals Monday evenings beginning SEPTEMBER 11
Bulldozer week (intense rehearsals/tech/set) NOV. 6 -10
PLAY PERFORMANCE: Sat., Nov. 11, Sun., Nov. 12, Mon., Nov.13
5:30 - 8:30 pm
$40 participation fee includes script cost
Salutations! The Make-A-Scene Players, our community’s youth theater group, is bringing one terrific pig to Confluence. Students may attend the information session with their parents on September 11 to be cast for a role in this fall’s show. Kids aged 5 to 18 are invited to participate. Everyone gets an important part! The Make-A-Scene Players is a supportive and welcoming organization which provides opportunities for kids to develop their acting skills, become more confident, learn cooperation, and be part of something big and fun! Participants must be available for ALL rehearsals and performances.
YOUNG MASTERS ARTISTS SERIES
Third Thursday of the month
September 14, October 19, November 16, December 21
5:30 – 7:30 pm
$6 per student
preregistration required
Youthful artists will explore the world of master artists with activities, amazing historical information, and--best of all-- HANDS-ON ART INSTRUCTION. The class is geared for students 5 to 15, and the individual art projects are suitable for a range of ages and abilities. Everyone learns and everyone has a creative and engaging experience.
FREE MAGIC SHOW!
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10
2 pm
FREE, FREE, FREE!
Abracadabra! Family fun for FREE! The Laurel Highlands Magic Club will be doing a promotional video of their magician members. They are opening up their show to the community and offering kids to be part of the amazing show. The afternoon will be filled with comedy, magic, and mentalism. Come with family and friends and enjoy an afternoon of amazement!
TRAIL TOWN QUILT SHOW & MOST AWESOME BAKE SALE
WITH FIBER ARTIST SHOWCASE
Saturday, October 21 and Sunday, October 22
10 am - 4 pm (Saturday hours)
1 pm - 4 pm (Sunday hours)
by donation
Fall colors means it’s time for colorful quilts! Confluence has an active group of quilters and textile artists, and our Trail Town Quilt Show means everything good will be found at the Arts Center on Saturday, October 10: chocolate, colors, cookies, quilts, music and you! Our big fundraising bake sale will feature a room full of treats from the area’s best cooks. Stock up on pies, breads, cakes, and your favorite goodies, then feast your eyes on a display of quilts made by area textile artists. Vote for your favorite quilt, enjoy some quiet background music, and appreciate the good things in life. Quilts must be entered by October 1. For information about entering a quilt in any category, please contact Amy Childers at achilders54@gmail.com
STAINED GLASS
Friday, November 3
6 pm - 9 (or so) pm
class fee
Just in time for the holiday season, Diane Bauerle will teach the fundamentals of working with stained class. Beginning students will learn how to cut and solder glass and have an opportunity to make an ornament or sun-catcher—a perfect gift. More experienced students can use the materials and tools to create a small project of their choice. Class size is limited. Please preregister early.
NEEDLE TATTING
Tuesday, August 22
6:30 - 8 pm
fee TBD (less than $10)
Learn a craft from the past! Nancy Enscoe works in a variety of mediums and has offered to teach students how to do needle tatting. Needle tatting is done by using thread to make rings and chains which form lovely ornaments and decorations. Tatting was once used for lace-making, and there are lots of ideas (see Pinterest!) for using tatting today! Please contact the arts center to preregister. confluencecreativeartscenter@verizon.net